To the Mill and Back

"To the Mill and Back" weaves an immersive narrative set in the declining textile industry of northeastern United States during the latter half of the 20th century. In 1971, two young men working in a textile mill cross paths. Their ensuing mentor/student relationship offers an insightful glimpse into the transformation of American society during this period and forecasts the imminent demise of an industry that once sustained generations.

The two protagonists are emblematic of their respective times—one a product of the early 1950s and the other of the 1971 era. Both foresee the impending changes that elude many of their contemporaries. Their shared experiences allow readers to explore the social, economic, and personal impacts of this industrial shift on those who would be directly affected.

The book paints vivid portraits of a host of characters embodying the diverse individuals one might encounter in a post-World War II industrial environment. The impending doom of the industry, symbolized by the closure of massive factories and mills, casts a shadow over their interactions. This is an elegy to towns and industries that once thrived—now left to decay or vanish—such as the Capitol Records facility in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and the textile mill across the street.

"To the Mill and Back" is a heartfelt exploration of the human cost of industrial decline. It presents a tapestry of characters and experiences, each a mirror to the diverse faces that constituted American society during this transformative period.

Bill Savage is a writer and playwright. His plays have been performed in the United States and the United Kingdom. He is the author of two novels and other fiction.